NRLM’s 2-day regional workshop on rural livelihoodsconcludes at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, July 10: A two-day Regional Workshop on Rural Livelihoods concluded today at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir, focusing on enhancing Self-Help Group (SHG) livelihoods through convergence.
The Regional Workshop organised by DAY NRLM, Ministry of Rural Development, GoI was hosted by Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Govt of J&K.
The focus States/UTs were Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir.
This Workshop was a part of a series of five Regional Workshops being organized by NRLM in the 5 Lakhpati Didi zones. It aims to deepen, strengthen, and expand livelihood opportunities for rural SHG women.
The workshop was virtually inaugurated by Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development in the presence of Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, NRLM, MORD, Ms. Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, NRLM, MORD, Gyanbhushan, Senior Economic Adviser, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, J&K, Ms. Mridhu Slathia, Additional Mission Director JKRLM Jammu Division, Reyaz Ahmad Beigh, Additional Mission Director JKRLM Kashmir division, Mission Directors of the participating SRLMs , National Mission Management Unit, State Project Managers/District Project Managers/Block Project Managers.
In his inaugural address, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development highlighted rural livelihoods as a critical component in this journey, acknowledging the numerous challenges faced, including limited infrastructure, inadequate access to credit, employment issues, and skill gaps.
He also emphasised the importance of the extensive network of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as a powerful tool for addressing these challenges.The Secretary MoRD stressed the importance of building reliable supply chains for rural products and leveraging digital platforms for marketing.
Additional Secretary, NRLM, MORD, Charanjit Singh highlighted significant human resource challenges that are hindering the effective implementation of NRLM programs, particularly in northern states.
He emphasized the critical need for filling vacant posts, providing timely credit and establishing a robust HR policy to ensure the smooth operation and success of various developmental areas.
Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, NRLM, MoRD, GoI while setting the context for the Regional Workshop emphasized on the crucial need for innovation and technological adaptation to enhance rural livelihoods.
She highlighted the opportunities and the potential of the six Northern State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) and stressed the importance of leveraging past successes to drive future growth. Sharma outlined key areas for improvement, including access to formal credit systems, infrastructure, marketing avenues, advanced technologies, and entrepreneurial skill sets. She focussed on the necessity for embracing technological changes and ensuring that rural workers are not only tech-savvy but also able to make a mark on the global stage.
Secretary RD and PR, Govt of J&K, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary while highlighting the importance of the two day Regional Workshop said that the workshop will be instrumental for SRLMs in identifying and addressing challenges, and in exploring new growth opportunities through expert guidance which in return, promises substantial benefits for the SHGs.
Experts from Technical Support Agencies, convergence partners of Ministry of Rural Development, subject matter experts from various quarters from both farm and non-farm livelihoods Ministry of Agri, Ministry of Textiles, DGFT, CFTRI, Deptt of Animal Husbandry GoI , Punjab Agriculture University, CSIR – HP, Ministry of Tourism, CII, NIFT , IIM Jammu , SKAUST Kashmir, National Institute of Rural Development, Indian Meteorological Department, BIS and others participated in the workshop with full zeal and vigour.